Frost dates across Iowa
Typical last spring frost, first fall frost, and USDA zone for 12 Iowa cities, from 30-year NOAA climate normals. Every date is a 50 percent odds line, not a promise. Pick a city for the full frost window and what is plantable there now.
Not on the list? Any Iowa ZIP works.
| City | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Season length | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Apr 23 | Oct 15 | about 175 days | 5b |
| Cedar Rapids | Apr 28 | Oct 12 | about 167 days | 5b |
| Davenport | Apr 23 | Oct 15 | about 175 days | 5b |
| Sioux City | Apr 29 | Oct 7 | about 161 days | 5a |
| Council Bluffs | Apr 18 | Oct 21 | about 186 days | 6a |
| Dubuque | Apr 19 | Oct 21 | about 185 days | 5a |
| Cedar Falls | Apr 27 | Oct 10 | about 166 days | 5a |
| Mason City | Apr 29 | Oct 7 | about 161 days | 5a |
| Ottumwa | Apr 23 | Oct 14 | about 174 days | 5b |
| Fort Dodge | Apr 28 | Oct 8 | about 163 days | 5a |
| Burlington | Apr 15 | Oct 20 | about 188 days | 6a |
| Spencer | May 1 | Oct 3 | about 155 days | 5a |
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